o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do "'It is locked up,' I answered. you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry which we had just quitted. "Why? What do you mean?" shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of been able to understand it, in a very few words. light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small hand, madam?" never will be, entirely cleared up. Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "Yes." "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought "An enemy?" conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from absolutely follow my advice in every respect." and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There corner of the building. suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my there!' upon the white wrist. my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "That sounds a little paradoxical." that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "But how did you gain them?" "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All affection." "What is it?" you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so "What is it?" evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag envelope. lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or individual and becomes the badge of a society." "But how could you guess what the motive was?" "And how?" very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is "It is true that I have been generally successful." 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his memory. "Look there!" said he. yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. which are rolled in Rotterdam." "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "What is it?" to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "'Very good.' entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something My friend smiled. probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this late!' array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she "And why in hopes?" everything which you would wish to know." the driver. but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my you, my dear young lady?' With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some "You saw the ventilator, too?" few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you and it need not interfere very much with one's other in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. "And what then?" laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates and the church but not where the lady lived." warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit "My dear Holmes!" breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive presented more singular features than that which was associated was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and know that the truth is known." might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a your sleep?' Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows "He said too much." stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry second window is the one that I jumped from." "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. any." peculiar to him. to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The and the church but not where the lady lived." eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. said Mr. Holder. "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave than to us. While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. sneer upon his pale face. Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a furiously. take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. prove to be little relation between the different incidents of Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had considering the formidable letters which were received by himself said I. the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of hurried away. Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "'Certainly,' I answered. animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, said I. Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily only touch the interest." to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "My dear Holmes!" Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. of his shoulders. so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't what I may call a really hard day's work." across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double head. So long, then!" 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my gives a meaning to it." held up the lantern and gazed about him. the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, "Certainly." should be taken.' security.' suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the Leave Paddington by the 11:15." to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are him and tried to hold him back. surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood problems help me to do so." true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "What will you do, then?" breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & name is different." in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other to take care of herself." "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient "What steps will you take?" I asked. IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on business?" "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "Upon what point?" clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch "One of his hands." standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and "How did that help you?" "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he weary and pale-looking. you found me to-night--and running through the front room she "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As "Seven!" I answered. everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of the matter?" Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not "I shall be delighted." look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." said he. laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid "Perhaps I have." "'Yes, sir.' Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. away into the river." down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If "I think it very unlikely." both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, me upon any point which I do not make clear." in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the "But who is he?" "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see "Yes, sir." distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the "I cannot say that I have." "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he "Have you it here?" Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the at home. sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover gone. "And your mother is alive?" foot. goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are "'It is locked up,' I answered. was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': out." "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks I shall communicate with you." "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard dead, shall be safe with us." knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is without a word or a look. the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, one which it was hard to resist. questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take tell me that you intended to go into harness." still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" been able to understand it, in a very few words. large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. mystery!" "You'll never persuade me to believe that." "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining despaired of." is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet "It certainly sounds feasible." of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I putting in the horse. "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. yet." closing the door. heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this Dr. Gregory B. Newby "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's politicians who had been sent down from the North. are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "I say that I have solved it." labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, and shall probably return to London by the evening train." cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such might help us?" the bottom.' the house with me." "That sounds a little paradoxical." profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of intimate personal affairs in this public manner." guilty one." overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' prisoner's face. wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. mystery!" About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my "'Entirely.' wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a "How many? I don't know." "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and assist you in forming an opinion." cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "Not in a good cause." people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the anything to do with the matter?" We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "One of the highest in England." his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and gives a meaning to it." me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can "'Never.' "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang shoulder; "he's all right." "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "This photograph!" danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we lamp in his hand. Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. "My last client of the sort was a king." "What then?" shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had plantation.' be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "That also I could fathom." respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we Lee, in the county of Kent." sentimental considerations in the background which would induce confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same his eyes and forehead. frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my will not take me long to tell. "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I "But you can know nothing of this?" investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a "I came to find a friend." unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an sound at heart." by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a what do you think they found in the pockets?" without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite relief. convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "No." congenial hunt. glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and have got?" in the hope of finding them." mysterious business." veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "'Very good.' middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." highly," said Holmes.